A Westport pet store that sells all-natural products partnered with Connecticut FoodShare to make a significant donation.
On Wednesday, Earth Animal on Post Road donated over $65,000 to help feed families from across Connecticut.
"This is our 16th year partnered up with the Connecticut FoodShare, and we are graciously happily donating to them over $65,000," said Abby Goldstein from Earth Animal.
The owner and CEO of Earth Animal, Susan Goldstein, said the donation will provide 120,000 meals for families in need.
"We have thousands of families even here in the city of Westport that need our services that’s why what we are doing here at Earth Animal and what they continue to do is so important," Goldstein said. "We aren't just about animals we are about the environment and helping people."
The funds were collected from October to December of last year.
"It just shows you the unity of our neighborhood, of our business, of our generous neighborhood, its connectedness, it’s really quite holy," said Jason Jakubowski, CEO of Connecticut Foodshare.
Miss Connecticut, Gina Carloto, helped in the success of this fundraiser as it tied in with her community service initiative.
"Reducing that food insecurity meant making healthier lives possible for a greater number of people across the state of Connecticut which is so important to me," said Carloto.
All while Carloto was preparing for Miss America.
"It was just about learning how to balance and especially going for something like Miss America you do need to learn how to do that and learn to craft your schedule around all the different demands of the job," said Carloto.
Earth Animal said the donation and collaboration from other residents and organizations was a true community effort.